Jazz Flyte Podcast

This week on The Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell is joined by saxophonist and flutist Paula Atherton, a powerhouse in contemporary and mainstream jazz. With a career spanning stages shared with David Sanborn, The Rippingtons, and Bob James, Paula’s music continues to inspire. Her single “Can You Feel It” held the #1 spot on Billboard for three weeks straight.   In this candid conversation, Paula opens...

In this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell welcomes celebrated Brazilian guitarist and vocalist Moises Borges for a soulful dive into the world of Brazilian jazz. Born in Bahia, Brazil, and now a prominent figure on Cleveland's jazz scene, Moises has charmed audiences with his fusion of Samba, Bossa Nova, and Brazilian rhythms. They discuss Moises’ journey from Brazil to Ohio, his entry in...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast , host Darrell welcomes contemporary jazz icon David Benoit, a GRAMMY®-nominated pianist, composer, and arranger whose contributions have shaped the genre for over 40 years. David takes us back to his early years, learning piano at six by ear, and his leap of faith into the music industry after dropping out of college. He recounts working with musical lege...

In this soulful episode of Jazz Flyte, host Darrell dives deep with internationally acclaimed jazz saxophonist Tom Braxton. Known for his chart-topping music and thrilling performances worldwide, Braxton's journey spans decades and continents, captivating audiences from New York to Japan. With his father’s influence and inspirations like Cannonball Adderley and David Sanborn, Tom’s music aims to t...

This week on Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell welcomes the fiercely talented Althea Rene—jazz flutist, author, and former deputy sheriff—who has blazed her own path in the music world. Born on Christmas Day in Detroit, Althea was inspired by her father, Dezie McCullers, a member of Motown's original Funk Brothers. Despite being told the flute wasn’t a “true jazz instrument,” Althea has carved her own s...

On this episode of Jazz Flyte, Darrell reconnects with Maria Jacobs, a powerful voice in both jazz and Christian music, and a passionate educator. Born of Syrian Lebanese and Armenian descent, Maria’s life journey is one of resilience and faith. She is the author of Tell Them About Me, a Christian testimony that chronicles her triumphant journey through Bipolar Disorder, Alopecia, and numerous per...

In this unforgettable episode of Jazz Flyte, Darrell sits down with saxophonist Adrian Crutchfield, whose music has captivated audiences worldwide through jazz, funk, hip-hop, and rock. Adrian takes us back to the life-changing moment at just four years old when Kenny G stopped a live concert to gift him his first saxophone—an early spark that ignited his lifelong passion for music. He reflects on...

Welcome back to the Jazz Flyte Podcast! On this episode, host Darrell sits down with the phenomenal saxophonist and 2X Grammy and Stellar Award-nominated artist, Marcus Anderson. With 15 studio albums and 5 Billboard #1s under his belt, Marcus Anderson is a jazz fusion powerhouse whose music transcends genres, blending R&B, Pop, Rock, and Funk into a sound that elevates listeners to a whole ne...

On this episode of the Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell is joined by the talented husband-and-wife duo, Kat and Adam Hawley! Their musical journey began back in April 2005 when they met in church and hit it off instantly. Since then, they’ve been performing together and captivating audiences around the world. Kat even sang on Adam’s very first album, marking the beginning of their musical partnership....

On this episode of the Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell is joined by the incomparable Kirk Whalum—a 12-time Grammy® nominee and the voice behind the iconic saxophone solo in Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” With a career spanning gospel, R&B, and jazz, Kirk shares the highs and lows of his musical journey and the mentors who shaped his path, including Arnett Cobb and Wilton Felder.  Kirk...

Welcome back to another engaging episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast! Today, Darrell is joined by the incredibly talented Brittany Atterberry—a dynamic saxophonist, songwriter, and national recording artist in contemporary jazz and R&B. Brittany’s love for the saxophone goes beyond just music; it’s been her saving grace. She didn’t pick up the sax to compete—she picked it up for the pure love of...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, host Darrell sits down with Billboard Top 20 artist Jason Jackson, who has been making waves since his debut EP “Movin' On” dropped in 2021. Jason’s journey into music started at a young age in Wilmington, NC, where he studied under James Brown’s legendary saxophonist, Leroy Harper Jr. By high school, Jason had already landed a gig in the house band at th...

In this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell welcomes legendary pianist, composer, and producer Dan Siegel. With over 23 solo albums and a career that extends into film, TV, and education, Dan offers a rare glimpse into the life of a seasoned musician and educator.  Starting piano lessons at the age of eight, Dan reflects on his musical upbringing, sharing heartfelt stories of his early days...

In this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, host Darrell welcomes the prolific guitarist and producer, Adam Hawley. Known for his trailblazing work in the contemporary jazz world, Adam has notched 16 Billboard #1 hits and played alongside legends like Maurice White, Jennifer Lopez, and The Manhattan Transfer.  Adam reflects on his early start, touring at age 11, and how a college professor opened t...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell is joined by the talented Kat Hawley, a Contemporary Jazz and Smooth R&B vocalist from Los Angeles. Married to 15-time Billboard #1 guitarist and producer Adam Hawley, Kat has collaborated on numerous projects, including all five of Adam's critically acclaimed albums. Her debut single, "Keep On, Keepin' On" featuring Steve Cole, quickly gained...

This episode of Jazz Flyte Podcast brings you an intimate conversation between host Darrell and the incredible Lisa Addeo, a #1 Billboard Smooth Jazz Pianist, Songwriter, and Singer. With a career that spans various genres, including Standards, Solo Pop Piano, and Spa music, Lisa’s talent shines through in everything she does. She’s also the iconic voice behind Siriusly Sinatra on SiriusXM. The ep...

In this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell sits down with the legendary Norman Brown, a Grammy-winning, multi-platinum guitarist whose soul-stirring performances and virtuosity have captivated international audiences for over four decades. Norman, hailed by George Benson as “one of the greatest and most articulate guitarists out there,” shares his journey and the philosophy that fuels his...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell sits down with the mellow-toned guitarist Ronny Smith. Known for his ability to play with great passion and creativity, Ronny’s solos over infectious grooves have captivated audiences. Drawing inspiration from jazz legends Wes Montgomery and George Benson, his sound remains both attractive and melodic.   Ronny's musical journey is as diverse as it...

On this special episode of the Jazz Flyte Podcast, your host Darrell takes us on a nostalgic journey, celebrating one incredible year of jazz, stories, and unforgettable moments. From the podcast’s humble beginnings to the diverse guest appearances that have graced the show, Darrell shares the highlights and memorable experiences that have shaped the Jazz Flyte Podcast into what it is today. A spe...

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell is joined by the incredibly talented Jeanette Harris, a saxophonist whose energetic performances and inspiring music have won her a devoted fanbase. Jeanette's journey began at the tender age of 7 when she started playing the piano, influenced by her music-loving father. Despite an initial mix-up with a violin, she found her true calling with the...

Join us on the Jazz Flyte Podcast as Darrell sits down with the extraordinary Ragan Whiteside, a flute-playing soul-jazz phenomenon who’s taken the genre by storm. Growing up in Mt. Vernon, NY, Ragan discovered her passion for the flute during a parade and has been unstoppable ever since. She shares her journey, from overcoming the initial challenges of playing the flute to being influenced by leg...

On this episode of the Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell has a heartfelt and insightful conversation with Walter Beasley, the highest-selling full-time professor and recording artist in modern history. Walter Beasley, an award-winning alto/soprano saxophonist, singer, composer, and producer, shares his incredible journey from picking up the saxophone at age 9, inspired by his older brother and Grover Wa...

In this episode of the Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell sits down with multi-gold album and Billboard-awarded trumpeter Tom Browne. Tom, who has shared stages with jazz legends like Bob James, Dave Grusin, and Roy Ayers, takes us on a journey through his career. From signing his first recording contract with GRP Records to producing timeless hits like "Funkin’ For Jamaica," Tom's story is one of passio...

On this episode of the Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell is joined by the electrifying saxophonist Patrick Lamb. Patrick, who has toured with musical icons such as Bobby Caldwell, Gino Vannelli, Smokey Robinson, and two-time Grammy winner Diane Schuur, is making waves as one of the most exciting breakout artists on the scene. With three top-five Billboard hits, Patrick’s newest single is already making...

Happy Father’s Day! Join Darrell on a special episode of the Jazz Flyte Podcast as he sits down with Nathan and Noah East. Nathan East, a founding member of the renowned jazz group Fourplay, has spent over four decades working with music legends like Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Michael Jackson, and Beyoncé. He shares his incredible journey, from his first break with Barry White at 16 to collabo...